Regarding "Natural gas companies are trying to get more people using their fuel in cars and trucks" (Page D3, Sunday), this is a step in the right direction because it produces less pollution per unit of energy consumed.

However, it still produces carbon dioxide. We have known for a decade that we must make a substantial reduction in its production to protect the quality of our environment.

As well meaning as the efforts to substitute natural gas for other fossil fuels are, we must consider two other solutions to our long range plans for a cleaner environment. The two most viable are energy conservation and the application of wind and solar energy. The use of either does not produce carbon dioxide.

Nations in Europe and Asia are already moving into these two areas. It has been estimated that almost one half of our national energy is consumed in our buildings. We may see solar electric facilities on all our houses and other buildings before the turn of the century.

Sometimes, it is more desirable to pursue our future welfare for reasons other than the immediate profit in its pursuit.

Regarding "Mother calls on Nike to help curb violence" (Page B2, Saturday), it is sad that people have been hurt or lost their lives over a pair of shoes. Blaming guns and Nike will not solve the problem.

Let's lay the blame where it belongs. Whoever has allowed people to place the value of material objects above morals and human life deserves the blame.

Could better parenting help young people learn proper values and make better choices?

Regarding "Up with Lyft" (Page B6, Friday), I could only shake my head reading about the collusion the city and the Greater Houston Transportation Company have mounted to prevent companies like Lyft and more specifically Uber from taking a foothold in Houston.

If anyone has ever visited a city that features Uber, it is by far the best way of commuting to and from events.

Uber is an app that allows the customer to request a ride from a location to any other set location with a couple of taps on a screen.

Want to get a ride to dinner? Pull up Uber on your phone, and you can see the nearest car and request it.

Done with dinner and ready to go home or to another stop? Tap on Uber and a car is there in minutes. No parking or valet hassles.

The cars are mapped on Google with registered drivers with their own Town Cars. You can even pull up your driver's bio on the site.

Even better, it's cheap. Uber is often less than what a cab costs in cities that offer it.

I was reminded of the woeful private car and taxi service in Houston this holiday season. Taxis are not dependable.

Drivers seldom know how to get where they are going as they drive along staring at a GPS.

It's time to step into the 21st century and allow these efficient transportation companies to come into Houston.